Mercedes-Benz S-Class caught undisguised

Caught almost undisguised during final rounds of public-road testing, the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class is months away from its September reveal.

The sixth-generation flagship Mercedes-Benz shows off a wide, large grille, rounded headlights, high waistline with high-set door handles, and horizontally slimmer tail-lights.

New S-Class also showcases the next generation of ‘limousine’ (or sedan and wagon) Mercedes-Benz design language. Design themes will be separated into three tiers – ‘sporty’, SUV and limousine – for the next generation of models as Mercedes-Benz snubs the homogenous design theme of its current cars and embodied by competitor Audi.

Gorden Wagener, head of design at Mercedes-Benz Cars says the “characteristic lines of the S-Class have always represented the expression of automotive culture, as we understand it. The new S-Class will continue this tradition and, with its striking lines, will put a face to our design philosophy over the coming years.”

The new S-Class is confirmed to include an evolution of the company’s PreSafe technology – collision avoidance technology – which uses 26 sensors and cameras and is capable of 360 degree vision.

An advanced version of active cruise control will debut, which can work from 0-200km/h, keep the car in its own lane and adjust the steering input to remain in the centre of that lane.

The new S-Class will also warn for hidden pedestrians and side traffic, tighten seatbelts and provide braking assistance where required. It works in reverse or drive, at up to 50km/h.

Latest driver assistance systems will include a ‘wrong way’ alert program that aims to prevent drivers from unintentionally travelling the wrong way down a major arterial, by recognising ‘no entry’ signs. A ‘braking’ airbag, which deploys underneath the car to help it stop, and seatbelt airbags are also likely to make an appearance.

There are no light bulbs in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class – it is the only car in the world to entirely feature LEDs.

With the demise of Maybach, a convertible version of the sixth-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class is expected, while the thirsty V12 engine and five-speed automatic will be flicked for more frugal options. With some weight reductions also likely, Mercedes-Benz will aim to improve on the current car’s performance while reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class will debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September.